So my current setup is I've downloaded ps3 media server. I have my external hard drive plugged into my laptop. And then I have an ethernet cord wired into my Samsung TV.

So when properly set up I can view videos on my tv through ths ps3 media server from my hard drive.

Works great, except, the last 2 days I've lost connection half way through shows. The ps3 media server disappears from the list on the TV (which causes the show to stop). And then when I reset ps3 media server it instantly pops back up. And after 30 minutes or so it will disappear again on my tv.

I had an issue before with the TV not always recognizing the ps3 media server. And what I did, and it made it work was this:

Under the General Configuration tab I went to Network Settings (Advanced)

Under Force Network on Interface I selected Intel(R) Wifi Link 5100 AGN and on Force IP of the server I put in my IP.

It was working great for a while. And then one day it disappeared on tv again so I was confused. I then open my network settings and saw my IP changed. 192.168.100.100 to 192.168.100.101

So as soon as I entered the correct one, it worked.

But I downloaded this port it forward program and it was set to dynamic. So I pressed it to set to Static. I assumed that would keep the IP the same so I would not have to change it.

But since then, It's caused my problem of having the media server disappear on TV. All I need to do is Restart the ps3 media server, but I lose my spot in the show I'm watching.

Hopefully this is enough information to figure out whats causing the problem.

It was working great for a while. And then one day it disappeared on tv again so I was confused. I then open my network settings and saw my IP changed. 192.168.100.100 to 192.168.100.101

So as soon as I entered the correct one, it worked.

But I downloaded this port it forward program and it was set to dynamic. So I pressed it to set to Static. I assumed that would keep the IP the same so I would not have to change it.

It's because your network has a DHCP server which is leasing you a different IP every time - so if you force your settings in PSM to be one IP address, and the DHCP server changes your PC's IP address, it's hardly a surprise it's going to break (since the IP has changed!).

The fix is to either let the PSM detect your network settings automatically, or go to your DHCP server (this is usually your internet router/hub etc) and force it to give your PCs MAC address the same IP every time (a static IP)